SOTUS: The University Days (and Other Universes)

Romance Section

"Sshhh!"

Arthit hushes the girls giggling at the corner. He can't understand why they're doing this. There's nothing to giggle at anyway. All that's inside the library are the two girls and him, the library assistant.

It's just a summer job, actually. But it's a job that frustrates him a lot of times.

Arthit can't understand why people just can't follow simple instructions—they won't stop running, they won't return the books they borrowed to the drop-off box, they won't stop talking and giggling and producing any noise that is not allowed in the library, and they ignore the rule that they cannot make out between rows of books, especially between the occult and self-help sections, where Arthit, from his counter, has a full view of.

It's stupid to make out between books about horoscopes and football for dummies. At least, they should do it in the romance section. It's hidden from everyone.

And there's no security camera.

Another thing that frustrates Arthit is that people won't return books on time, like this guy, who has just entered the library.

Arthit can't understand why this patron named Kongpob always returns books late. He also can't seem to pay his library fines, which bemuses Arthit because, by Kongpob's looks and the things he sometimes brings with him in the library, he seems pretty well off.

The rules are easy, too: return the book within seven days. If not, you should pay the fine.

But Kongpob never follows them.

Kongpob sneaks towards the drop-off box and places the books he's returning as quietly as possible. He's successful to not make any sound, but Arthit can't just ignore him now.

"Khun Kongpob."

This seems to startle him. "Why do you know my name?"

"I've read it on your records. And your records also say that these books are late. You owe the library 68 baht."

Kongpob quickly brings out his wallet as Arthit crosses his arms and waits for his payment.

"Do you accept debit cards?" Kongpob asks, a blue card on hand, face scrunched in embarrassment.

"No," Arthit answers flatly. "Bring cash next time you come in," he says as he moves to check out another patron.

Kongpob nods and quickly goes out of the library, leaving Arthit annoyed as always.

After Arthit completes the transaction of the other person, he decides to go check the books Kongpob returned. The top of the drop-off box shows him two titles: Red, White & Royal Blue and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

These are young adult novels. It puzzles Arthit why Kongpob would borrow them at once knowing he can't read them within seven days. Arthit frowns.

Then, it dawns on him.

He shakes his head and checks the books back in.

He also erases Kongpob's fines.

~

The next time Kongpob comes in, he checks out another book.

Arthit still glares at him with narrow eyes, but he can't help but think of the kind of books Kongpob has been reading.

Is Kongpob like him?

"Khun," Arthit says as Kongpob approaches him at the counter. He has one book with him: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. "Do you now have cash for your fines?"